Neurosyphilis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Central nervous system

• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Irritability
• Poor concentration
• Mental confusion
• Depression
• Visual disturbances
• Abnormal reflexes
• Abnormal gait (walk)
• Incontinence
• Dementia
• Weakness, numbness of lower extremities
• Loss of muscle function
• Muscle contractions
• Muscle atrophy

Blood tests can be done to detect substances produced by the bacteria that causes syphilis. The oldest test is the VDRL test.

In neurosyphilis, it is important to test the spinal fluid for signs of syphilis. Tests to look for problems with the nervous system may include:

• Lumbar puncture and a CSF fluid analysis
• Cranial CT scan
• MRI scan of the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord
• Cerebral angiogram

Review Date: 03/05/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.